On August 12, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III, conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Maharlika to outgoing U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria D. Steele during a simple ceremony at the Philippine Treasury Building in Manila. With her in the photo is U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip S. Goldberg.

The Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. Together with the Philippine Legion of Honor and the Order of Lakandula, the Order of Sikatuna is one of the three senior honors of the Republic. Director Steele is the first among all USAID Mission Directors in the Philippines to receive this honor.

“After five fulfilling years as Mission Director of USAID/Philippines, I am returning to USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C. optimistic that we have laid a robust foundation on which to build growth that is sustainable, broad-based, and inclusive,” said Director Steele. “This has all been made possible through increased partnerships forged with local organizations in the Philippines and the support of the American people. It is the highlight of my stint here that I will always look to with pride and a strong sense of accomplishment.”

Director Steele was recognized for, among other contributions, her vital role in making the Philippines one of only four countries in the world to participate in the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth. A White House-initiated “whole of government” partnership, PFG aims to shift the Philippines to a sustained and more inclusive growth trajectory on par with other high‐performing emerging economies.

The Philippine Government also acknowledged Director Steele’s efforts in coordinating the U.S. Government’s nearly $143 million assistance for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. Director Steele, who started her stint as the head of USAID/Philippines in 2010, was also recognized for being the highest-ranking USAID official of Filipino descent.